Kerala CM wants probe into failed Messi match

Kochi: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday recommended investigation of the scam behind a failed exhibition match of Lionel Messi and others in Kochi in 2025 during the Left government. Satheesan suggested Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the alleged scam linked to an exhibition match by Argentine. The Chief Minister wrote to Chennithala, drawing about the findings of the Finance Department regarding foreign payments made by a television news broadcasting company which was the sponsor of the event.The Finance Department has found the sponsoring company transferring around ₹126 crore to a foreign entity through banking channels in 2025. Officials said the department assessed the tax liability arising from the transaction and the inquiry referred to a service tax liability of around €22.68 crore.